We love to feature entrepreneurial women. We also like to follow up with them to see where their careers have gone since we first spoke to them. A few years ago, Brazilian-born Leyla Spada impressed us with her Brasilian Roots jewelry collection—a clever line of bold silver earrings adorned with Brazilian stones and inspired by the natural setting that provided a backdrop for her childhood.
Several years on, Leyla has traveled the world via her love for great accessories, stepping into shoes for a time, and then moving on to handbags—something we all know Hollywood’s it girls and sophisticated ladies cannot get enough of. Spada recently answered the call to (Hollywood) arms with designer Cynthia Sakai to bring the Andarei Collection to life. In an era where ginormous bags have reigned supreme, the duo have cut the trend down to size with their sleek, self-contained group of carry-somes that put this accessory back into perspective.
The Andarei aesthetic blends retro shapes and tailoring (ruching, pleats) with thoroughly modern Italian leathers and color palate. It is a formula that works, as fans have included Jessica Alba, Eva Longoria, Katherine Heigl, Rebecca Gayheart and Heidi Montag.
Andarei bags and clutches can be admired at www.andarei.com and obtained at such boutiques as H. Lorenzo, Jacqueline Jarrot, Royal Duchess and Rag’s Style.
This week, one lucky reader will get her hands on something new by Andarei.
Winners will be randomly selected and notified May 12, 2008.
US only. Rules
